Raiders preach tempo, communication to right ship

ALAMEDA -- The Raiders began their final practice Wednesday before a four-day break with the coaching staff preaching tempo and communication in the hopes of righting a season that based on a 1-3 start could be headed for double-digit losses.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour was not present at practice, nor were cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot) and tackle Khalif Barnes (tackle). Tight end Richard Gordon (hamstring) emerged with a member of the training staff as team sessions began.

Seymour was at practice Tuesday, but has in past years been excused to go home to South Carolina to be with his family before the bye week practices have concluded.

The Raiders return on Oct. 14, traveling to Atlanta to face the Falcons.

Oakland's next home game is Oct. 21 against Jacksonville. According to CBS Sports, the NFL is monitoring the situation regarding the A's and the playoffs in case it would become necessary to move the Raiders game to Monday night, Oct. 22.

Games 6 and 7 of the American League Championship Series could in theory be in Oakland on Oct. 20 and 21 depending on how the A's fare in the playoffs.

The A's would be scheduled for home games that weekend (if the series should go that far) should they beat the Texas Rangers Wednesday, coupled with a New York Yankees loss to Boston, making Oakland the top seed.

An A's spokesman said he was not aware of any deadline date for when a determination would have to be made on moving the date of the game.